Quite naturally

They are all natural, but what sets ‘Herbal’ apart from ‘Organic’ and ‘Ayurvedic’? Read on for more.

Home remedies have always been opted for over the chemical skin care products, and there has been a marked shift among the young and old alike towards naturally-produced options. This trend has led to the opening of the market for brands offering herbal and organic products first and now Ayurvedic.

What is the difference?

Ayurveda is considered to be the originator of all healing techniques. “It was developed in India some 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, and, is currently the oldest practiced healing system in the world. So, Ayurvedic skin care products are basically products formulated as per these old practices,” says Vivek Sahani, managing director, KAMA Ayurveda.

Organic products, on the other hand, are made from ingredients that have been grown without the use any pesticides and chemicals. “The product has to be certified from the governing body (Indocert, USDA Organics),” adds Sahani.

Toxins at bay

“Chemicals make the skin rough and dull. Ayurveda has a solution for every skin and body challenge faced due to pollution, toxins, age, stress and harsh weather,” says Dr Hari Mohan Behl, head R&D, Chandra.

“Ayurvedic products are 100 per cent natural and use plant-based ingredients such as cucumber extract,

daruharidra

,

raktachandan

, liquorice,

amla

,

brahmi

,

ashwagandha

,

manjishtha

, etc. In some cases, the plants and herbs are sourced directly from natural habitats by tribal people,” says Sahani. Behl adds, “We don’t use ingredients which aren’t scientifically supported.”